Republican governors are moving to cut income taxes, including proposals that would increase reliance on state sales taxes, setting up ambitious experiments in tax reform that could shape what is possible on a national level.

New York, North Carolina, Virginia and Maryland declared states of emergency to free up resources. Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell urged residents in coastal areas to prepare to evacuate before the storm hits and advised others in the state to stock up on provisions needed to get through any disaster.

NEW YORK, Oct 26- Virginia declared a state of emergency on Friday, neighboring states readied utility crews and New York City said it may shut down mass transit as authorities along the U.S. East Coast prepared for a potential pounding from Hurricane Sandy.

NEW YORK, Oct 26- Virginia declared a state of emergency on Friday, neighboring states readied utility crews and New York City said it may shut down mass transit as authorities along the U.S. East Coast pr e pared for a p otential pounding from Hurr icane Sandy.

CHATHAM, Va.-- A multi-agency working group examining various aspects of uranium mining is heading to Southside Virginia for a public meeting. The Uranium Working Group is scheduled to meet Wednesday night in Chatham for its fifth public forum.

MARTINSVILLE, Va.-- Titanium production is under way at RTI International Metals Inc.' s new $135 million plant in Martinsville, Va.. Pittsburgh- based RTI says the plant produced its first certified commercial aerospace titanium product on Thursday.